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In the midst of a global health pandemic and deepening racial tensions, the Kentucky State University Division of Student Engagement and Campus Life recently hosted the two-day inaugural HBCU Student Leadership Summit. 

This dynamic virtual event brought together over 120 students from more than 20 HBCUs and other institutions to explore strategies for serving as campus change agents in the midst of COVID-19 and racial trauma.  The event featured nationally recognized keynote presenters including Dr. Brian Hainline, chief medical officer for the NCAA, breakout workshop and strategy sessions, networking opportunities, town hall meetings and a celebration of HBCUs programs.

Participants expressed tremendous appreciation for the Summit, particularly at this unique moment in history.

“This was by far the best Summit I have ever attended,” Kierra Wellington, a sophomore at Allen University, said. “Everything was so structured, precise, detailed, and most importantly fun.”

This annual Summit will continue to benefit the HBCU community and advance the reputation of Kentucky State in the student affairs domain.

“It is my desire for Kentucky State University to be nationally known as the exemplar for advancing student leadership, and this incredible Summit served to benefit young leaders and their campuses,” Dr. Derek Greenfield, vice president for student engagement and campus life/chief diversity officer and creator of the Summit, said.

Raul Pereles, assistant director of residence life, and Mauri Smith, campus life assistant, served as co-chairs for the steering committee and joined Greenfield as facilitators for the Summit.